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A HISTORY OF INNOVATION

We have always been revolutionizing, shaping, and simplifying the world of logistics. From inventing the international air express industry to becoming the world’s leading logistics company; we’re thinkers, makers and pioneers that constantly challenge what’s possible. And now we’re tackling the ultimate border: delivering to the moon.

A Giant Leap in the History of Logistics

In 1969, the year Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon, DHL began to revolutionize the world of logistics. Now, we are breaking new ground again: in cooperation with space technology company Astrobotics, we will make deliveries to the moon a reality.

The Parcelcopter: DHL Innovation Takes Off

Experience the Parcelcopter 3.0 in flight

As the first logistics provider in the world, we have successfully integrated the Parcelcopter into our delivery chain. During a three-month trial run, people in the Bavarian community Reit am Winkl could use the automated service to send and receive packages. A total of 130 shipments were sent over a distance of eight kilometres – a trip that would take 30 minutes by car, but took the Parcelcopter only eight minutes.

A Year of Change and Innovation

2015 has been a year of great change and progress for DHL, as we are transitioning from our Strategy 2015 to our Find out more aboutStrategy 2020 – laying the groundwork for further long-term success.

A Breakthrough Idea: DHL Creates the International Air Express Industry

Just months after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn founded DHL – the world’s first international door-to-door delivery service. Their simple, yet groundbreaking idea was to deliver shipping documents by air, so they would arrive at customs before the freight itself. This saved shipping companies days or even weeks – and DHL had just invented the international air express industry.

Becoming the World's Largest Logistics Company

Soon after its formation, DHL enjoyed rapid growth around the globe. Today, DHL is the world’s largest logistics company with over 340,000 employees and offices in over 220 countries and territories.

Awards

DHL is a proud recipient of prestigious awards for outstanding achievement in sales and customer service – a testament to the customer-centric mindset at the heart of every shipment we deliver. View our list of awards here.